★ 12/12/2016
In a conversational style and with studious acumen, Akyol (Islam Without Extremes) shows scintillating connections between “Jewish followers of Jesus and Arab followers of Muhammad” and how Jewish Christianity possibly shaped the Qur’an’s view of Isa—the Arabic name of Jesus. Tracing sacred texts from multiple traditions and centuries of commentary and contemplation concerning Jesus in Christian, Jewish-Christian, and Muslim sources, Akyol introduces the Islamic Jesus to the world. These beliefs and narratives about Jesus are handled respectfully, with careful attention to the nuances of his many sources. In his conclusion, Akyol admits that Christians, Jews, and Muslims have serious differences—theological and cultural. And yet, he advises, Muslims have something to learn from Jesus, and Christians and Jews can also gain from revisiting Jesus from a Muslim point of view. This is a solid read for those interested in the history of theology and religions, Christian-Muslim dialogue, understanding more about Islam, or appreciating the multivalent milieu of the Middle Eastern world where Christianity, Judaism, and Islam emerged. (Feb.)
"Provides valuable insights ... a brave commentary." —The Christian Science Monitor
"Akyol finds striking convergences between what we know of some Jewish Christians and the teachings of Islam...[Akyol] has laid the ground for some rich, respectful conversations between Christians, Muslims and Jews." —The Economist
“A welcome expansion of the fragile territory known as common ground.” —The New York Times
“Aykol has produced an exceptionally compelling work that promotes religious tolerance and understanding. Recommended for religious scholars and anyone with an interest in religion.” —Library Journal
"An intriguing exploration of the Muslim understanding of Jesus. … A fascinating bridge text between Islam and Christianity.” —Kirkus Reviews
"In a conversational style and with studious acumen, Akyol shows scintillating connections between “Jewish followers of Jesus and Arab followers of Muhammad” and how Jewish Christianity possibly shaped the Qur’an’s view of Isa—the Arabic name of Jesus...a solid read for those interested in the history of theology and religions." —Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
"This work helps Westerners, especially Christians, to gain more insight into the Islamic understanding of Jesus - upon whom be peace- and also into why, while he is so highly venerated in Islam, he is not divinized as he is in Christianity but remains a prophet." —Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Professor of Islamic Studies, The George Washington University
"Anyone interested in the deeper relationship between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will learn much from Mustafa Akyol’s thoughtful, clearly written, and well researched analysis of how Jewish beliefs and practiced carried over into Christianity, Christian themes were preserved by some Jewish groups, and both, but especially Christianity, were received in Islam. Drawing upon accepted Christian Scriptures as well as lesser known apocryphal writings and related sources, Akyol makes a compelling case for recognizing more common ground among the three faiths than has been heretofore acknowledged. His compelling book is a must read for friends and foes of the Children of Abraham theme." —Charles Butterworth, Emeritus Professor, Department of Government & Politics, University of Maryland
"In this highly readable and provocative book, Mustafa Akyol establishes the unique role played by Jesus within the Islamic tradition. Most importantly, Akyol turns radical revisionist arguments on their head to make the compelling case that Jesus’ life when properly understood confirms the Islamic belief that there is no inherent contradiction between the Biblical and Qur’anic worldviews. From this vantage point, Jesus does not divide the Abrahamic religions but reconciles them, a message much needed in our divisive times." —Asma Afsaruddin, Professor of Islamic Studies, Indiana University
"Whether one agrees or disagrees with the historical nuances Akyol presents, one can certainly applaud his significant effort to call people of the respective faith traditions away from the 'us-versus-them' mentality to not only exploring common ground but a respectful exploration of how each of us fit into the larger story of God’s interaction throughout human history. His focus on the message of the Christ rather than on the nature of the Christ, is a helpful focus towards interaction which can benefit all. Further, his cultivation of a space of Abrahamic soil – the 'Abrahamic archetype' – upon which we can come together and benefit in a mutual sharing of faith, points a direction worth pursuing... The Islamic Jesus is a read worth the consideration of those from both the Biblically based faith tradition and the Qur'anic based faith tradition who are serious about their faith and their relations with people of other faiths." —Jerald Whitehouse, former director of the Global Center for Adventist Muslim Relations of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
"The Islamic Jesus is a learned and thought-provoking exploration of the figure of Jesus in Islam. Mustafa Akyol develops a measured and distinctive argument of how the Islamic understanding of Jesus is connected to Judaism and Christianity. At the same time he challenges readers to consider how earlier religious controversies, and the figure of Jesus himself, might offer guidance for Islam today." —Gabriel Said Reynolds, Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology, University of Notre Dame
"Mustafa Akyol is the kind of public intellectual our fractured world needs. He is anchored in a specific tradition but also capable of engaging others with nuance, humility, and good will. In this timely and important book, Akyol provides an insightful account of an Islamic Jesus and a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Abrahamic dialogue." —John Barton, PhD, Director of the Center for Faith and Learning, Pepperdine University
"Interfaith dialogue is undoubtedly an admirable way of advancing tolerance and understanding. But removing one’s 'military boots' and stepping into the proverbial shoes of another religious conviction in order to ask 'what can Jesus teach Muslims today?' is the preferred way of this book, which I applaud unequivocally. Akyol’s proposition to discern the Islamic Jesus through the early apocryphal literature uncannily echoes the Orthodox Church’s priority to illuminate the Gospel Jesus through the eastern liturgical tradition." —Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and author of Bartholomew: Apostle and Visionary
"The Islamic Jesus is about so much more than Islam or Jesus. It’s about the very bridge that connects Jews and Christians with the followers of Mohammad. Regardless of whether he’s a Jewish radical or a Christian Messiah, Jesus is also one of the most beloved prophets in Islam. In this book, Mustafa Akyol expertly distills the Jesus persona and the role it plays in all three religions. This is a profound contribution in proving that Judaism and Christianity are not adversaries to Muslims, but rather intrinsic parts of the entire Islamic belief system." —Reza Aslan, author of No god but God and Zealot
2016-12-07
Intriguing exploration of the Muslim understanding of Jesus. Akyol (Islam Without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty, 2011) provides an open-minded and historically driven look at the Quran's treatment of Jesus, with an emphasis on how the person of Jesus may have come into the worldview of Muhammad and his followers. Displaying a keen comprehension for the background behind all three Abrahamic religions and a deep understanding of Middle Eastern history, Akyol reviews the place of Jesus in the scope of Islam in a way that few modern writers have, especially outside of purely academic works. After a short discussion on the concept of the "historical Jesus," he explores the divide between the theology developed by Paul, which became Christianity, broadly understood, and that developed by James and the church in Jerusalem, which became "Jewish Christianity," a sect that eventually died out. The author goes on to share the intriguing similarities between the theology of Jewish Christians and the Quran's theological concept of Jesus. In a pivotal chapter, the author provides a variety of recognized theories (and some archaeological evidence) for a real, historical connection between the vanishing Jewish Christians and the first followers of Islam. Nowhere does Akyol suggest that any one theory is definitive, but he certainly leaves readers with food for thought. He continues by exploring the role Jesus plays in the Quran, especially in contrast to his role in Christianity. In reviewing Quranic verses on Jesus, the author reveals that in many cases, parallel or at least related statements are made in apocryphal Christian literature. Among many other examples, the Quran claims that Jesus breathed life into clay birds, a statement highly reminiscent of a similar tale in a work of Christian Apocrypha, The Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Ultimately, Akyol finds that Jesus provides Muslims with a worthy exemplar of piety and holiness and that the overtones of history and geopolitics need not dampen that fact. A fascinating bridge text between Islam and Christianity.
